General public's views on pharmacy public health services: current situation and opportunities in the future

Abstract

ObjectivesTo explore the experience of and willingness to use seven pharmacy public health services related to cardiovascular risk among the general public in England. Study designMixed-methods study. MethodsA mixed-methods study, involving a cross-sectional survey using multiple distribution methods followed by a focus group discussion (FGD) with a sample of survey respondents. ResultsFrom 3596 approachable individuals, 908 questionnaires were completed (response rate 25.3%). Few respondents (2.1–12.7%) had experienced any of the seven pharmacy public health services. About 40% stated they would be willing to use health check services, fewer (9.3–26.3%) were willing to use advisory services. More females, frequent pharmacy users and those in good health were willing to use services in general (P < 0.05). Smokers, overweight individuals and those with alcohol-related problems were most willing to use specific advisory services supporting their problems (P < 0.05). FGD identified barriers to service use; for example, frequent staff changes, seeing pharmacist as medicines suppliers and concerns about competence for these services. ConclusionThe general public are receptive to pharmacy public health services. Pharmacists must consider barriers if uptake of services is to increase.